Attached shirt and undergarment

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a garment for covering of a predetermined portion of the torso of a wearer. An embodiment of the garment includes an inner and an outer layer, each including a torso segment and a plurality of arm segments. The inner and outer layers are disposed in covering orientation to at least the portion of the torso of the wearer. The outer layer is disposed in a covering relation to the inner layer. A plurality of elongated joining segments fixedly interconnect the inner and outer layers to one another at least along the lengths of corresponding ones of the elongated joining segments. The inner and outer layers are relatively dimensioned and at least partially correspondingly configured for disposition of the inner layer in a substantially non-observable position, from an exterior of the outer layer, when the inner and outer layers are in the covering orientation.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present application is based on and a claim of priority is made under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to provisional patent application currently pending in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office bearing Ser. No. 61/858,671 and a filing date of Jul. 26, 2013, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a garment for covering a predetermined portion of the torso of a wearer. A preferred embodiment of the garment comprises an inner and an outer layer, each having at least a torso segment and a plurality of arm segments. A plurality of elongated joining segments fixedly interconnect the inner and outer layers at least along the lengths of the elongated joining segments, disposing the inner layer in a non-observable position relative to an exterior of the outer layer.

2. Description of the Related Art

Undergarments are commonly worn, whether in hot or cold climates, beneath all manner of styles of shirts, such as dress shirts, t-shirts, collared short-sleeved shirts, etc. However, the usual approach of wearing a separate undergarment beneath a shirt presents numerous problems.

For example, many wearers prefer that the undergarment not be visible from beneath the shirt. This is particularly a problem with t-shirt style undergarments, which are exposed through the collar portion of nearly all shirts. Accordingly, this significantly and unacceptably limits the type of undergarment that can be worn, the type of shirt that can be worn, or both.

In addition, wearing a separate undergarment and shirt introduces problems of the undergarment “riding” or “bunching up.” As an illustrative example, the sleeve of an undershirt might bunch up when the end of the sleeve gathers near the user's shoulder and/or arm pit. Bunching up may be uncomfortable and unfashionable, and requires that the wearer repeatedly adjust the undergarments in public, which may be inappropriate in some settings.

Attempts to address these shortcomings typically involve eliminating coverage of the undergarment, such as removing the sleeve portions. However, removing portions from the undergarment presents significant drawbacks. In warm climates, a wearer may desire the additional coverage, such as a sleeved garment, for additional absorption of sweat. In cool climates, additional coverage may be desirable for warmth.

Consequently what is needed in the art is a garment comprising at least an inner and an outer layer that are cooperatively dimensioned and at least partially configured for disposition of the inner layer in a substantially non-observable position. Such a garment may further comprise a plurality of elongated joining segments fixedly interconnecting the inner and outer layer to one another. The elongated joining segments may further be disposed so as to maintain various segments of the inner layer in an extended configuration when the garment is disposed on the body of the wearer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a garment for covering a predetermined portion of the torso of a wearer. A preferred embodiment of the garment comprises an inner and an outer layer. Each layer includes a torso segment and a plurality of arm segments.

The inner and outer layers are disposed in covering orientation to at least a portion of the torso of the wearer. Furthermore, the outer layer is disposed in a covering relation to said inner layer. The inner and outer layers are fixedly interconnected to one another by way of a plurality of elongated joining segments at least along the lengths of corresponding ones of said elongated joining segments.

In addition, the inner and outer layers are relatively dimensioned and at least partially correspondingly configured for disposition of the inner layer in a substantially non-observable position, as observed from an exterior of the outer layer, when the inner and outer layers are in the covering orientation.

In at least one embodiment, at least some of the plurality of elongated joining segments comprise a seam disposed on said outer layer and structured to attach different segments of said outer layer to one another.

Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the inner and outer layers each include a collar segment. The elongated joining segments in at least one embodiment are disposed to maintain the collar segment of the inner layer in an extended configuration and in said non-observable position when in the covering orientation.

In at least one embodiment, the elongated joining segments are disposed to maintain the arm segment of said inner layer in an extended configuration and in the non-observable position when in the covering orientation.

In an additional embodiment, the inner and outer layers are cooperatively structured to define at least one opening, the opening being dimensioned and configured to expose at least a portion of the torso of the wearer there through. In at least one embodiment, the inner and outer layers each comprise at least some peripheral portions disposed adjacent one another and adjacent the opening. The adjacent portions of said inner layer may be disposed in a non-observable relation relative to correspondingly disposed peripheral portions of the outer layer. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment the elongated joining segments are disposed to maintain the adjacent portions of the inner layer in an extended configuration and in the non-observable position when in the covering orientation.

In at least one embodiment, the outer layer comprises a first material of construction, and the outer material comprises a second material of construction. The first material and the second material are different. In addition, the second material may be structured to facilitate absorption of moisture.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an illustrative embodiment of a garment in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another illustrative embodiment of a garment in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of yet another illustrative embodiment of a garment in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of yet another illustrative embodiment of a garment in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of yet another illustrative embodiment of a garment in accordance with the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention is directed toward a garment for covering a predetermined portion of the torso of a wearer. With reference to FIG. 1, an illustrative embodiment of a garment in accordance with the present invention is generally indicated at 1.

With further reference to FIG. 1, the garment 1 comprises at least an inner layer 20 and an outer layer 10. The hashed lines 20′ of FIG. 1 depict a disposition of the inner layer relative to the outer layer when the garment 1 is covering the torso of the wearer. Accordingly, the outer layer 10 is disposed in a covering relation to the inner layer 20.

The inner layer 20 of the embodiment of FIG. 1 comprises a torso segment 24. The torso segment 24 of the inner layer 20 is disposed upon the torso of the wearer in a covering relation. A plurality of arm segments 21 are attached to the torso segment 24. The arm segments 21 are disposed in a covering relation to the arms and/or shoulder areas of the wearer's body. Further, attached to the torso segment 24 of the inner layer 20 is a collar segment 22, which is disposed on and/or adjacent to the upper torso, neck and/or collar region of the body of the wearer.

With reference to FIG. 4, an illustrative embodiment of the present invention is provided. In an embodiment in accordance with FIG. 4, the inner layer 20 comprises at least one peripheral portion 23 disposed adjacent an opening 40. The opening exposes a portion of the wearer's body through the garment 1 when it is being worn.

With additional reference to FIG. 1, the outer layer 10 of the embodiment of FIG. 1 comprises a torso segment 14. The torso segment 14 of the outer layer 10 is disposed upon the torso of the wearer in a covering relation. A plurality of arm segments 11 are attached to the torso segment 14. The arm segments 11 are disposed in a covering relation to the arms and/or shoulder areas of the wearer's body. Further, attached to the torso segment 14 of the outer layer 10 is a collar segment 12, which is disposed on and/or adjacent to the upper torso, neck and/or collar region of the body of the wearer.

In an embodiment in accordance with FIG. 4, the outer layer 10 comprises at least one peripheral portion 13 disposed adjacent an opening 40. The opening exposes a portion of the wearer's body through the garment 1 when it is being worn.

As is shown in FIG. 1, when the garment 1 is being worn, the inner layer 20 is hidden from view by an observer by the outer layer 10. Accordingly, the inner layer 20 and outer layer 10 are relatively dimensioned and at least partially correspondingly configured for disposition of the inner layer 20 in a substantially non-observable position. The non-observable position is from the vantage point of an exterior of the outer layer 10, when the garment 1 is disposed upon the wearer's body.

In at least one embodiment, the inner layer 20 is secured to the outer layer 10 by a plurality of elongated joining segments 30, 30′, 30″, as is shown in the illustrative embodiments of FIG. 1-4. At least one elongated joining segment 30 fixedly interconnects the inner layer 20 to the outer layer 10. Accordingly, the elongated joining segment 30 in various embodiments of the present invention is disposed to maintain various segments of the garment 1 in an extended configuration. The extended configuration prevents “bunching” of the layers 10, 20 which a wearer may regard as uncomfortable and unaesthetic. Therefore, a segment of the inner layer 20, such as the arm segment 21, peripheral portion 23, or collar segment 22, remains disposed in the depicted, elongated configuration of FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 4 relative to the outer layer 10 when covering the wearer's body. In addition, the elongated joining segments 30 are disposed to retain the inner layer 20 in the previously discussed non-observable position relative to the outer layer 10 from the vantage of an observer exterior to the outer layer 10. The elongated joining segment 30, 30′, 30″ in at least one embodiment is structured to connect different segments of the outer layer to one another, such as an arm segment 11 and/or collar segment 12 to the torso segment 14.

Specifically, and with reference to FIG. 1, the elongated joining segment 30 in at least one embodiment is disposed in a connecting relationship between the torso segment 14 and each arm segment 11 of the outer layer 10. The elongated joining segment 30 similarly connects each arm segment 24 of the inner layer 20 to the torso segment 21 of the inner layer 20. This disposition of the elongated joining segment 30 retains the arm segment 21 in an extended configuration. For example, the arm segment 21 of the inner layer 20 is prevented from passing to within the torso segment 14 of the outer layer 10, causing “bunching up” of the inner layer 10. A similar disposition of an elongated joining segment 30″ is illustrated in FIG. 4 with respect to the collar segment 22 of the inner layer 20, which is retained in an extended configuration and thus prevented from bunching up relative to the collar segment 12 of the outer layer 10. This is also shown with respect to the peripheral portion 23 of the inner layer 20, which is retained in an extended configuration and thus prevented from bunching up relative to the peripheral portion 13 of the outer layer 10.

FIGS. 2 and 4 depict different illustrative embodiments of the present invention in which the elongated joining segments 30′ are disposed on peripheral portions 13, 23 of the outer and inner layers 10 and 20, respectively. The opening 40 of the garment 1 of FIGS. 2 and 4 may be closed at the discretion of the user by way of buttons 14, though other suitable fasteners may be used in other embodiments.

FIGS. 2 and 3 each depict a “short-sleeved” configuration of a garment 1, wherein the outer layer 10 of the garment 1 is dimensioned and configured to permit display of a greater portion of the arm of a wearer, such as the portion extending from the elbow toward the wrist and hand. Accordingly, the inner layer 20 is correspondingly dimensioned and configured, as is demonstrated in each of the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3, so as to permit retention of the inner layer 20 in a substantially non-observable position. In contrast, FIGS. 1, 4 and 5 depict a “long-sleeved” configuration of a garment 1.

In addition, in at least one embodiment such as that of FIG. 3, the arm segments 11 and torso segment 14 of the outer layer 10 may comprise a one-piece construction. In other words, the arm segments 11 and torso segment 14 may not be joined to one another by way of an elongated joining segment 30. Accordingly, an elongated joining segment 30 may be disposed adjacent to the user's armpit sufficient to fixedly interconnect the inner layer 20 to the outer layer 10.

It should further be appreciated that the foregoing description regarding the location of an elongated joining segment 30, 30′, 30″ and accompanying Figures is intended solely for illustrative purposes. Accordingly, various embodiments representing combinations of dispositions of elongated joining segments 30, 30′, 30″ in accordance with the Figures and description but not expressly shown in the accompanying figures are nonetheless within contemplation, such as but not limited to an embodiment representing a garment 1 in accordance with Figure 3 including elongated joining segments 30″ disposed about the collar segments 12, 22 as shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 4.

In at least one embodiment, at least one of the elongated joining segments 30, 30′, 30″ comprises a seam 31. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, the seam 31 is disposed on the outer layer 10 and connects different segments of the outer layer 31 to one another. As an example, the seam 31 may be made of thread or other suitable structure.

In at least one embodiment, the inner layer 20 comprises a first material of construction and the outer layer 10 comprises a second material of construction. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment the first and second materials are different. In addition, in at least one embodiment, the first material may be suitable for the facilitation of absorption of sweat produced by the wearer, for example while the garment is disposed on the wearer's body.

Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Now that the invention has been described, 

What is claimed is:
 1. A garment to cover a predetermined portion of the torso of a wearer, the garment comprising: an inner layer and an outer layer, each including a torso segment and a plurality of arm segments, said inner and outer layers disposed in covering orientation to at least the portion of the torso of the wearer, said outer layer disposed in a covering relation to said inner layer, a plurality of elongated joining segments fixedly interconnecting said inner and outer layers to one another at least along the lengths of corresponding ones of said elongated joining segments, and said inner and outer layers being relatively dimensioned and at least partially correspondingly configured for disposition of said inner layer in a substantially non-observable position, from an exterior of said outer layer, when said inner and outer layers are in said covering orientation.
 2. The garment of claim 1, wherein at least some of said plurality of elongated joining segments comprise a seam disposed on said outer layer and structured to attach different segments of said outer layer to one another.
 3. The garment of claim 1, said inner and outer layers each including a collar segment.
 4. The garment of claim 3, said elongated joining segments being disposed to maintain said collar segment of said inner layer in an extended configuration and in said non-observable position when in said covering orientation.
 5. The garment of claim 1, said elongated joining segments being disposed to maintain said arm segment of said inner layer in an extended configuration and in said non-observable position when in said covering orientation.
 6. The garment of claim 1, wherein said inner and outer layers are cooperatively structured to define at least one opening, said opening being dimensioned and configured to expose at least a portion of the torso of the wearer there through.
 7. The garment of claim 6 wherein said inner and outer layers each comprise at least some peripheral portions disposed adjacent one another and adjacent said opening, said peripheral portions of said inner layer disposed in a non-observable relation relative to correspondingly disposed peripheral portions of said outer layer.
 8. The garment of claim 7 wherein said elongated joining segments are disposed to maintain said peripheral portions of said inner layer in an extended configuration and in said non-observable position when in said covering orientation.
 9. The garment of claim 1, said outer layer comprising a first material of construction and said outer material comprising a second material of construction, said first material and said second material being different.
 10. The garment of claim 9 wherein said second material is structured to facilitate absorption of moisture.
 11. A garment to cover a predetermined portion of the torso of a wearer, the garment comprising: an inner layer and an outer layer, each including a torso segment and a plurality of arm segments, said inner and outer layers disposed in covering orientation to at least the portion of the torso of the wearer, said outer layer disposed in a covering relation to said inner layer, a plurality of elongated joining segments fixedly interconnecting said inner and outer layers to one another at least along the lengths of corresponding ones of said elongated joining segments, at least some of said plurality of elongated joining segments comprising a seam disposed on said outer layer and structured to attach different segments of said outer layer to one another, and said inner and outer layers being relatively dimensioned and at least partially correspondingly configured for disposition of said inner layer in a substantially non-observable position, from an exterior of said outer layer, when said inner and outer layers are in said covering orientation.
 12. The garment of claim 11, said inner and outer layers each including a collar segment.
 13. The garment of claim 12, a plurality of said seams being disposed to maintain said collar segment of said inner layer in an extended configuration and in said non-observable position when in said covering orientation.
 14. The garment of claim 11, a plurality of said seams being disposed to maintain said arm segments of said inner layer in an extended configuration and in said non-observable position when in said covering orientation.
 15. The garment of claim 11, wherein said inner and outer layers are cooperatively structured to define at least one opening, said opening being dimensioned and configured to expose at least a portion of the torso of the wearer there through.
 16. The garment of claim 15, wherein said inner and outer layers each comprise at least some peripheral portions disposed adjacent one another and adjacent said opening, said peripheral portions of said inner layer disposed in a non-observable relation relative to correspondingly disposed peripheral portions of said outer layer.
 17. The garment of claim 16, a plurality of said seams being disposed to maintain said peripheral portions of said inner layer in an extended configuration and in said non-observable position when in said covering orientation.
 18. The garment of claim 11, said outer layer comprising a first material of construction and said outer material comprising a second material of construction, said first material and said second material being different.
 19. The garment of claim 18 wherein said second material is structured to facilitate absorption of moisture.
 20. A garment to cover a predetermined portion of the torso of a wearer, the garment comprising: an inner layer and an outer layer, each including a torso segment, two arm segments, and a collar segment, said inner and outer layers disposed in covering orientation to at least the predetermined portion of the torso of the wearer, said outer layer disposed in a covering relation to said inner layer, a plurality of elongated joining segments fixedly interconnecting said inner and outer layers to one another at least along the lengths of corresponding ones of said elongated joining segments, at least some of said plurality of elongated joining segments comprising a seam disposed on said outer layer and structured to attach different segments of said outer layer to one another, said inner and outer layers being relatively dimensioned and at least partially correspondingly configured for disposition of said inner layer in a substantially non-observable position, from an exterior of said outer layer, when said inner and outer layers are in said covering orientation, and a plurality of said seams being disposed to maintain said collar segment of said inner layer and said arm segments of said inner layer in an extended configuration and in said non-observable position when in said covering orientation. 